Noel Dunning has announced that he has stepped down as manager of the Roscommon Under 20 footballers.

Having managed the side for the past two years, Dunning guided Roscommon to the Connacht title this year, beating Galway in the final.

Roscommon GAA would like to thank Noel and his backroom team for their hard work over the past two years and wish them the very best of luck in the future.

Here is a statement from Noel Dunning, posted to Roscommon GAA’s website this morning:

“I’d like to thank the County Board for giving me the opportunity to manage the county U20 football team and the support that they gave us throughout.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my two years in charge and I’d like to thank all of the members of my backroom team who worked so hard to coach and develop the players in our two years with them, culminating in a fantastic Connacht Championship win this year.

“No stone was left unturned when it came to preparing the players and the proof was in that tremendous win.

“However, that win was also down to the huge efforts of the players, anything we asked of them they totally committed to.

“It wasn’t easy in terms of travelling to training midweek from college and indeed from all over the county, but there was never a complaint and they thoroughly deserved their Connacht Championship title.

“It was a just reward for them and their parents whose contribution it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge.

“Each and every one of those players are a credit to their families, clubs and county.

“Finally, I wish every success to the incoming management team.

“Ros Comáin Abú.”